Jonesboro High School Architectural Design

Jonesboro High School Mural, Students in Hall

Jonesboro High School

Jonesboro, GA

Located just outside of metro Atlanta in Clayton County, Jonesboro High School was a phased, occupied addition/renovation project. The original building was comprised of several additions spanning decades, each with a different architectural style and various levels of useful life expectancy. The disjointed structure made it difficult for students to navigate the facilities. Cooper Carry's K-12 Studio worked in partnership with the school district to create an innovative, cohesive design and brand that would instill pride in the students, administrators, and faculty.

Our team strategically prepared phased drawings that enabled a single contractor to build what is essentially a new school by demolishing, rebuilding, and renovating from phase to phase — all while the students were in school and without using portable classrooms. To improve circulation, we internally united the structures and created a “Main Street,” a double-level, window-laden corridor running through the middle of the school and connecting all circulation paths. This serves as a central spine for the school.

The main front entrance was reoriented to increase its prominence as a community fixture and improve the circulation of traffic as well as parking. This entrance is flanked on each side by a large cafeteria and media center, with double-height windows offering abundant natural light. The design provides four large makerspace-style courtyards for secured outdoor learning. Throughout the school, Cooper Carry's Branding team designed 14 wall murals featuring inspirational figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and John F. Kennedy. This high school addition renovation project has created a modern learning environment where students can flourish.